Little Hedgehogs Nursery at Bridstow CofE Primary School

Daily outdoor learning gives Little Hedgehogs its character: children have access to a Forest School site, an outdoor classroom and woodland, alongside the school's field and EYFS play area. This is a teacher-led nursery for children aged three upwards, housed within Bridstow's combined nursery and Reception unit. It opened in September 2024.

The nursery operates during school terms. For families choosing an introduction to school life, the practical distinction is that children belong to a unit inside the school building, while their learning remains centred on play.

Play and adult-guided learning share the day. Children choose activities with staff support, alongside focused experiences led by adults. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which brings together physical development, relationships and emotions, communication, literacy, mathematics, creative expression and understanding the world. In parent terms, learning includes how children move, talk, make friends and explore, as well as early reading and number skills.

Children's own play gives them time to revisit ideas and practise skills. Bridstow's approach emphasises practical experiences and adjusts activities to individual development, recognising that children of similar ages can have different needs. The school aims to build confidence, independence and persistence through this approach.

Outside space is part of everyday provision. The Forest School site sits behind the school, with another woodland area at the front; the field and EYFS playground provide further places to learn. The wooden outdoor classroom supports learning outside across the seasons. These are distinct spaces for hands-on exploration, rather than a single playground serving every purpose.

Each child has a key person, giving parents a particular member of staff to contact about learning and daily care. Staff also rotate, so that children become familiar to the wider team. The key person is therefore a point of continuity for families, rather than a promise that one adult provides all teaching and support.

Settling begins with a home visit. Afterwards, parents and school agree how the child will start, allowing the initial arrangement to respond to that child's needs. This makes settling a shared decision.

Hedgehog Class children receive free fruit at snack time. School lunches are supplied by Alliance in Partnership, with hot meals available or the option to bring a healthy packed lunch. Meal orders go through SchoolMoney, either a week ahead or for the half-term.

For additional needs, the school's SEND co-ordinator can discuss concerns with families. Discussions involving parents and staff may lead to help from Speech and Language Therapy, Learning Support or Educational Psychologists, giving families a route to specialist advice where needed.

Attending Little Hedgehogs does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Herefordshire Council's online Reception admissions process. For entry in September 2027, the deadline is 15 January 2027. Parents unable to apply online should contact the council's School Admissions team.

Transition activities are separate from allocation. Children joining the school are offered a summer-term Taster Day, giving them an introduction before entry and parents an opportunity to meet staff.

Joining involves confirming that you would like your child to attend, completing the Early Education Funding parent declaration, booking sessions and returning signed Terms of Provision. Little Hedgehogs maintains a waiting list. Ask the school for current charges.

Breakfast Club runs on weekdays from 8:00am to 8:45am without advance booking; a 7:30am start requires booking ahead. Busy Bees provides afternoon care from 3.15pm to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Nursery families book Busy Bees termly alongside their nursery hours, and payment remains due for absences.

Plan for inset closures and a 2pm finish on the final day of the Christmas, Easter and summer terms. For Forest School, clothing includes a waterproof coat, long sleeves, full-length bottoms and wellies or old trainers. Label clothing and bring a labelled water bottle each day.